How to convert your ashtray into a digital engine alarm for $39

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Originally Posted by wedgetail37

How to convert your ashtray into a digital engine alarm for $39.

Hi, I am interested in the above method, but I need more info such as: Does the unit connect to the original temp sensor, Has anybody got this up and running and does it work well? probably many more questions. I am handy at car electrics but I am no genius. Does the controller come with a wiring diagram and does this system work efficiently. I have looked at many other options, but they are all quite expensive. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Guys - Gerry

PS. Mine is a Discovery 1

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Wedgetail37, FYI. I purchased the exact same unit from the same seller who is based in China and it took +4 weeks to arrive. Additionally this thermocouple 2M K Thermocouple K Sensor Probe FOR Temperature Controller | eBay was purchased.
The Temperature Controller (TC) does come with broken English instructions [ame]http://www.sestos-hk.com/english/download/d1s-en.pdf[/ame]
Suspect that the specifications have changed since the original post as I couldn't get the unit to work with that wiring included in the photo. The TC settings are correct from the original post however.
Bench tested it last night with a 12v battery, some wire, a blow torch and LED light.
If I tidy my work bench, could flick through a photo.
Wanted to ensure the unit worked prior to drilling, screwing, cutting holes in my TD5 interior.
In hindsight I should have purchased x2 TC so that a second one could be used to measure EGT.

Submitted twice Doh!

:):)Thank you Simon. I will give it a go when I receive from Ebay. Thanks again for your time and effort. Top informative post.:cool::cool:

:):)Hi Simonmelb

Got all the gear. running if off batteries in my shed at the moment whilst I set it up. It is wired exactly as your pic including the buzzer.

I can read the temp and I can see the temp rise as I apply heat to the K sensor, but the alarm does not go off I have used the temp up and down buttons and tried different temps (eg 40c 60c and 98c) but still no buzzer.

What do you reckon I have done wrong?? In anticipation thank you - Gerry (wedgetail37):D:D

Hi Gerry,

Did you change any parameters on the controller?

Not sure if I mentioned this but there are 2 settings you need to change:

Press and hold the SET key for 2+ seconds to get into the settings.

Press and release the SET key to scroll through the parameters until you see:

CtrL - changes this to 0 - which means the controller will work in On/OFF mode, not PID.

CF - change this to 3 - which means the controller will work in cooling mode, that is close the contacts when the actual temp raises above the set temp. This was most likely the problem I think !

Have fun with it !

Cheers
Simon

**PS: Ive tried 2 locations for the sensor - the one towards the back of the head above the turbo, and attached to the coolant outlet elbow near the front of the head. I prefer the coolant elbow location as its closer to the true coolant temp. The rear location gets heat soak from the turbo I think, and gives erroneously high readings when under high load.

:):)Thanks for your help Simon. I am very sure I have done exactly as you have done, but when I connect the sensor wires the alarm goes off and the temp reading goes all over the place. I think maybe I have a faulty unit. Not too worry, thanks again for your help. See ya - Gerry (wedgetail37):D:D

Has anyone tried one of these:

Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat 12V 10A 40?? 120

They are $12.00 with the sensor included!

seeya
shane L.

That appears to be the same as the one I fitted. It seems to work well.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-...ml#post2243760

I have two, and very impressed, one for water temp on a 3.9 disco and the other on the r380 cooler pipe for trans temp.

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Originally Posted by Gary S11

I have two, and very impressed, one for water temp on a 3.9 disco and the other on the r380 cooler pipe for trans temp.

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perfect... i have a 3.9 rangie... was going to stick two in it... one on the slugomatic cooler pipe the other on the top radiator hose.